Digital Equity and Workforce Development powered by the Arts

As the world continues to adjust to living with COVID, communities are adjusting to the expanding digital landscape and subsequent changes in the work environment. People who were already behind technologically are now event further behind, yet the expectation to understand tech-based concepts as well as have consistent access to technological tools such as a computer and internet continues to grow. The DMV region, while richly diverse, is also deeply divided and there are significant inequities in access to resources – particularly related to digital literacy, access to equipment and to the arts as a tool for personal and community development.

Digital Solutions that Bridge the Divide addresses the gap in access to tools, resources, and knowledge about the digital skills required to succeed in today’s workforce. The initiative works with black, brown and indigenous community members 16 and older who are experiencing economic hardship and wish to expand their income-earning potential and/or create deeper community connections through digital literacy. Tech Savvy Soundbytes are YouTube videos featuring guest speakers who share practical skills and personal stories about how technology impacts their work life, helped them find work/education opportunities, or supported their ability to become an entrepreneur. Digital Fundamentals is a course designed to support community members in building their own digital portfolio. Finally, a lending library provides free access to computers, webcams, microphones, green screens and more to support the creation of high-quality content.

How it works:

Story Tapestries uses the arts as a tool to develop high-impact programs that support personal and community development. In 2022, Story Tapestries reached 376,000+ community members in communities across Montgomery County, the Greater DC Metro region, and the state of Maryland, with over 90% of those engagements impacting those living in or near poverty. We collaborated with 50+ like-minded organizations who share similar goals and target populations such as schools, early childhood centers, MedStar, YMCA Youth and Family Services and Montgomery Village Foundation to support literacy, STEAM and social-emotional skills development and specifically with Latin American Youth Center and Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless to offer our Digital Solutions that Bridge the Divide program. The arts create a bridge, promoting accessibility to and equity in learning and therefore closing the gap for those with limited access to learning resources.

Digital Fundamentals courses provide participants with:

• Greater access to digital tools (computers, cameras, etc.)
• Increased competency and confidence in using video recording and streaming technology
• Better preparation for today’s job market with a digital portfolio (resume with new skills listed, professional quality photos, video biography)

Impact:

In 2022-23, residents at the newly opened Nebel Street Men’s Shelter, operated by Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless, participated in the Digital Solutions program. One man who suffered a stroke could not communicate well, but after working with an artist to hone his interviewing skills, he got offered a job with a hotel. The course experience not only better prepared him to succeed, but also increased his confidence. Another man got a supervisor job and is now employing other Shelter residents, and he has returned to school. Staff have shared how the participants loved the program as artists created a comfortable space and gave them a sense of purpose every week. The work reinforced programs at the shelter and honed in on important skills such as presentation, personal branding and interviewing. They are already asking when an artist is coming back.

Similarly, youth at Latin American Youth Center gained understanding of how to take a professional headshot, how to create a polished and effective LinkedIn profile, created or updated their CV, and learned valuable interview skills. These takeaways led to job opportunities and professional connections, but also left youth feeling hopeful, energized and excited about possibilities for a brighter future than previously imagined.

Reports:

Digital Solutions Evaluative Report 2022-23

Key funding partner: